Millions may get SARS refunds without submitting returns
Auto-assessments begin on 1 July. This is what taxpayers should do to avoid delays, protect themselves from scams, and ensure refunds are paid without a hitch.
SARS
Can a tax deduction be claimed a decade late?
A fuel exporter lost a R38.8-million deduction claim, but the Tax Court ruling may open a fresh battle over whether the correct tax years can still be re-opened.
SA closer to advance pricing regime, but thresholds threaten access
The new APA process aims to reduce disputes and double taxation, but practitioners say the entry bar is so high that few groups will qualify.
Foreign vehicles face new SARS border declaration rules
Foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa will have to be declared on the Traveller Management System from 1 June.
Taxpayers may use non-lawyer representatives, SCA rules
The judgment confirms that the Tax Administration Act and Tax Court Rules do not restrict appearances to admitted legal practitioners.
Budget’s retirement threshold changes in effect despite legislative omission
IRFA also sets out how exit withdrawals now work when a member resigns and has already withdrawn from the savings component in the tax year.
SARS, NCC join forces to tighten grip on non-compliant imports
A new SARS–NCC agreement strengthens enforcement against non-compliant imports as authorities tighten controls on e-commerce and customs risks.
SARS publishes tax filing deadlines for 2026
The Notice also sets out who does and does not have to submit a tax return.
ConCourt ruling expands GAAR reach and raises investor risk
A wider interpretation of ‘party’ under GAAR means even commercially sound participants may face SARS’s scrutiny in multi-entity transactions.
Tax Court clarifies VAT treatment of cashback and fee rebates
The Court finds that cashback credits reduced the original fee, rather than constituting payment for a separate supply by customers.
SARS says poor employer data is disrupting auto-assessments
As third-party submissions open, SARS urges employers to file early and accurately or risk triggering errors, delays and taxpayer verifications.
Tax amendments materially narrow understatement penalty defence
The bona fide inadvertent error defence is limited to substantial understatements, but there is relief for taxpayers seeking to challenge estimated assessments.
SARS warns rogue staff: resigning won’t save you
SARS has frozen the assets of former officials, signalling that employees who betray the institution will be held accountable – even after they leave.
SARS exceeds R2 trillion as compliance, not commodities, drives revenue
Milestone caps Kieswetter’s tenure as a new commissioner prepares to take office from 1 May.
Businesses should weigh VAT deregistration carefully
Rising the VAT threshold to R2.3m may prompt some businesses to deregister, but the process can trigger an immediate output tax liability on assets.
South Africans living abroad can no longer ignore the AIT process
Banks are already acting on the updated exchange control requirements, and transfers without an AIT certificate may be frozen.
SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
